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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
Farmers have expressed optimism following a forecast of normal to above-normal rains for the upcoming summer cropping season.
Regional experts indicate a likelihood of normal to above-normal conditions from October to December across south-western Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and northeast South Africa.
This forecast aligns with reports from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and other global weather agencies, which suggest that a developing La Niña weather event in the Pacific Ocean could enhance prospects for wetter conditions in Zimbabwe and surrounding nations during the 2024/25 cropping season.
Speaking with the farmers yesterday after the release of the rainfall forecast report, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe applauded climate experts for their guidance amid forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall following a severe drought.
“Farmers would like to thank the climate experts for their guidance, especially considering the forecast of normal to above-normal rainfall, he said.
“We have just come out of a very disturbing 2023/24 agricultural season, which brought some uncomfortable experiences due to the El Niño-induced drought. Agricultural production across the country did not perform well, he said.
“However, forecasts indicate a normal to above-normal rainfall season ahead, which is quite refreshing. This represents a stark contrast to what we have just experienced,” he said.
He said farmers should always collaborate with climate experts to identify optimal planting times and mitigate potential challenges.
“At the same time, farmers should continuously seek information from these climate experts, as conditions may change. Currently, we are ready for the planting season, but we have been advised that rainfall is expected to begin in December. Therefore, farmers should be aware that if crops are planted in October, they may face challenges, especially with drought-sensitive seeds. It’s crucial to collaborate with climate experts to determine the best times for planting,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) secretary-general, Mr Paul Zakariya, emphasised the need to be fully prepared before the rainfall in October.
“We must be proactive in terms of logistics related to the delivery of inputs and land preparation. All tasks should be completed well ahead of the rains, allowing farmers to wait for the rain before planting optimally.
“Therefore, we need to coordinate closely with contractors, and banks processing farmer loans, and ensure that the necessary mechanisation is in place well before the rains begin in October,” he said.
While Zimbabwean agronomists warned that excessively wet conditions could negatively affect crop growth with farmers facing leaching as a major problem.
“Incessant rains or abnormally high amounts of rain can leach nutrients, especially nitrogen, from the soil. Nitrogen added to the soil in the form of granular fertiliser is especially vulnerable to leaching,” an expert said.
“And if this occurs, farmers either have to incur the additional cost of reapplying fertiliser or experience the reduction in crop yield associated with nutrient deficiency.”
In light of this problem of leaching, experts said it was vital for farmers to work closely with agricultural extension workers to minimise losses and boost yields.
Other experts said the application of organic matter on Pfumvudza plots as well as adding manure, compost and other organic soil amendments onto plants could help slow the release of plant nutrients, thus reducing the overall impact on crop health and growth.
Meanwhile, in an interview, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, highlighted that the release of the 2024 forecast was crucial for the agriculture sector.
“For agriculture, the climate experts have done a good initiative. Farmers require accurate and timely knowledge of when the rainy season starts and what the quality of the season will be.
“This enables planning on what crops to grow, where, and when, and also assists farmers in making the necessary preparations,” he said.
Prof Jiri further emphasised the importance of preparedness, adding that luck favours those adequately prepared; hence the need for farmers to prepare accordingly.
Online Reporter